12/30/2015

Hard to believe it's been six years since the last time Rob Zombie dug up Michael Myers in 2009's Halloween II, and during that time there had been plans for a reboot titled Halloween Returns. While the Saw duo of Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton had been attached, and even floated the idea of Gillian Jacobs (Community) starring in the film, nothing has really moved forward. The major roadblock had to do with some behind-the-scenes issues involving Dimension Films, a division of The Weinstein Company, and now those issues have put the franchise on the shelf...at least for now.

Initially reported by Bloody Disgusting then confirmed by The Wrap, it appears the rights to Halloween have been lost by Dimension after holding them for more than twenty years. Part of the reason likely has to do with Weinstein's decision to restructure and release fewer films, turning their attention to TV and other avenues. So now Miramax is looking for a new studio, and considering there are plenty of companies out there producing horror remakes they probably won't be looking long. Melton and Dunstan are out of the picture, too, so whoever takes over will be starting fresh.

So what should we expect? Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes seems like a likely home for the classic horror franchise, doesn't it? Or, good lord, it could become part of a slasher movie shared universe. Ugh.